Outdoor Research Foray Rain Pants Review

Bottom Line

The Outdoor Research Foray (men’s) and Aspire (women’s) rain pants are a standout choice for durability and comfort. If you’re looking for breathable, versatile rain pants to tackle wet, sloppy conditions—or even spring snowstorms—these top performers have you covered.

Unique features like suspenders attachments and optional inset stirrups (both sold separately) help keep the pants snug at the waist and sealed over your boots, making them great for harsh weather. The ¾-length zippers, running from ankle to mid-thigh, are another highlight. These seam-sealed zippers let you ventilate as needed to dump heat during intense activity and make it easy to take the pants off without removing your shoes.

While they’re on the pricier side, the Foray and Aspire pants deliver exceptional weatherproofing, durability, and functionality. Available in short and tall sizes, they’re a perfect fit for various body types. For serious outdoor adventurers, these rain pants are worth the investment. For all of our rain pants recommendations, see our guide to the best rain pants of the year.

How We Tested

Over a 60-day period, we tested the Foray pants in soggy Minnesota winter rains, frigid temps, and long hikes on the Ice Age Trail. We also scrambled through boulder fields in Colorado’s Poudre Canyon to really stress test their durability.

Comfort & Mobility

For 3-layer pants, the Forays move surprisingly well. The articulated knees are a standout feature that makes it easy to scramble over logs or tackle steep ascents. The gusseted crotch is another win, giving you freedom to high-step or crouch without any awkward binding or pulling. The movement-mirroring stretch nylon is fantastic feature that is often left out in rain gear. Our testers noticed very little resistance on steep boulder field climbs in Colorado’s Poudre Canyon.

Fit-wise, they strike a nice balance. They’re roomy enough to layer underneath without looking like you’re wearing a garbage bag, but not so baggy that they’re flapping in the wind. The adjustable waist with belt loops is clutch for dialing in your perfect fit, and the elastic cuffs keep them from riding up when you’re moving.

One minor gripe – they can get a bit clammy during high-intensity activities, even with the side zips fully open. The interior fabric isn’t particularly soft against bare skin, but your base layer takes care of that minor ding.

Overall, they nail the comfort-to-protection ratio and earn high marks in our picks.

Weather Resistance

The Forays are a top-tier choice when it comes to weather resistance, and they’ve earned their reputation for standing up to tough conditions.

First off, OR’s proprietary AscentShell™ Dry technology delivers breathability, waterproofing and wind resistance, keeping moisture out and allowing sweat to pass through for optimal moisture management. Then, the outer fabric is treated with Nikwax Direct.Dry, a high-performance, durable factory-applied durable water repellent (DWR) finish. Finally, full seam taping and YKK AquaGuard® zippers keep moisture from leaking in at the seam. The end result is dependable waterproofing, even in heavy downpours, yet you won’t feel like you’re in a bagged sauna.

What really sets the Foray apart is how well it handles both rain and snow. The durable construction shrugs off intense storms and keeps your legs dry even when hiking through wet brush or sitting on damp ground. The addition of seam-sealed ¾-length zippers enhances their weatherproofing, while also making it easy to adjust ventilation without compromising protection.

These pants also perform well in windy conditions, keeping cold air out while staying lightweight and flexible. For anyone heading into unpredictable weather, the Foray rain pants are a reliable layer you can count on to keep you dry and comfortable. Whether it’s a rainy trail day or a surprise snow flurry, they’re built to handle it all with ease.

Ventilation

When it comes to ventilation, the ¾-length zippers are the star feature here, running from the ankle up to mid-thigh. These seam-sealed zippers are incredibly versatile, allowing precise airflow control. Whether you need just a bit of extra ventilation or want to dump heat quickly during a steep climb, these zippers have you covered (or uncovered).

What’s great is how the design balances ventilation with weather protection. Even when partially unzipped, the pants still do a solid job of keeping rain and wind out, so you can stay comfortable without sacrificing dryness. On top of that, the zippers make it easy to slip the pants on or off over boots, a huge bonus in chameleon weather conditions.

The AscentShell Dry fabric also plays a role, offering breathability to prevent overheating during intense activity. Whether you’re hiking in humid weather or working up a sweat on the trail, these pants help regulate temperature and keep you comfortable.

Weight

The Outdoor Research Foray / Apsire rain pants knock it out of the park when stepping on the scale. While they aren’t the lightest rain pants on the market, they’re still impressively packable for a 3-layer rain pant. At just over 13 ounces, they’re lightweight enough to carry in your pack without feeling like you’re adding unnecessary bulk, yet heavy-duty enough to handle rough conditions and frequent use.

The engineers at OR made the most of the overall weight by packing in useful features, like ¾-length zippers for ventilation and easy on-off access. These additions add a bit of heft compared to ultralight models, but they more than make up for it in versatility and functionality and a solid combination of performance and portability.

For a long backpacking trip or a reliable layer for wet-weather hikes, these pants offer the durability and weather protection you need without being overly heavy. If cutting every ounce isn’t your top priority, the Foray rain pants deliver excellent performance at a very reasonable weight.

Durability

The Outdoor Research Forays are durable workhorses purpose-designed to withstand rugged conditions while keeping you dry. The material is lightweight and tough, making them reliable for everything from long backpacking trips to wet-weather scrambles through rocky terrain.

Reinforced seams and high-quality zippers add to their longevity, ensuring they can handle repeated use and abuse without falling apart. Our tester sluiced down rock and debris littered slope and the pants came out of it unscathed. The seam-sealed ¾-length zippers are smooth as silk and hold up well even after frequent adjustments.

While some ultralight pants sacrifice durability to shave off weight, the Foray rain pants are built to last, making them a great investment for spending copious time outdoors. Whether you’re navigating dense brush, scrambling over rocks, or simply dealing with heavy rain, these pants are tough enough to keep up. With proper care, they’ll be a long-term staple in your gear collection.

Should You Buy the Outdoor Research Foray / Aspire Rain Pants?

The Outdoor Research Foray rain pants are a durable, versatile, and breathable rain gear component. They’re ideal for hikers, backpackers, and climbers tackling unpredictable weather, offering reliable waterproofing and features like ¾-length zippers for ventilation and easy layering. With a balance of durability and functionality, they excel in both rain and light snow, making them a great choice for year-round adventurers.

However, they may not be the best fit for ultralight backpackers or those focused on shaving every ounce from their pack, as their added features come with slightly more weight.

In terms of value, the Foray rain pants deliver exceptional performance and durability, delivering reliable protection in tough conditions, and they’re built to last for years of use.

What Other Rain Pants Should You Consider?

If the Outdoor Research Foray rain pants aren’t the perfect match for you, here are three alternatives from our complete guide to the best rain pants to consider:

Patagonia Torrentshell 3L Review: Like the Foray, these pants are built for durability and weather resistance, but they use a heavier, thicker fabric. They’re ideal for rugged conditions and offer excellent protection against brush and rain. If durability matters more than weight, the Torrentshells are a solid choice.

Outdoor Research Helium Review: Just as well-made as the Foray/Aspire’s, these are a great alternative if weight is more of a priority and you’re not headed for hardcore conditions. They’re made with Pertex Shield Diamond Fuse fabric, offering decent durability in a lighter package.

REI Co-op Rainier Review: A budget-friendly option that still delivers reliable waterproofing and breathability. While not as durable or feature-rich as the Foray, they’re a great choice for casual hikers or those who don’t need rain pants for frequent or heavy use.